Thatch Advice Centre Newsletter No 29

Welcome to our latest bi-annual newsletter! We are thrilled to have you as a subscriber to our thatch community including homeowners, insurers, architects, builders, surveyors, thatchers, chimney sweeps, thatch specialists as well as many more.  Our mission is to provide valuable insights and expertise on “All Things Thatch” utilising our extensive network of friends and Associates, to keep you well-informed and connected.

Personally, we hope you have survived the weird and wonderful weather over recent months.  Challenging in many ways for us and our roofs!

In this Newsletter

Our Newsletter Sponsors – Lloyd & Whyte Heritage
Website Updates
Business Under Thatch Picture Competition Winner
Thatch Fires This Year
Recent Enquiries
New Competition – Thatching in Progress
Thatch Insurance
Fire Retardant Spray – Update
Architectural
Rebuild Costs
Apprenticeship Update
Working Together
New Associates
Fire Resisting Barriers
Roof Reports for Disputes
Solid Fuel Burning
Flashback Fridays
Longstanding Associates
Social Media
Wondering Why?
Do you like Cake?
Did you Notice
Next Time
And Finally

Our Newsletter Sponsors – Lloyd & Whyte Heritage

“As a specialist thatch and listed home insurance broker it’s our experience, expertise and quality products that set us apart. Focusing on customer service and the individual needs of both you and your character property, we are committed to providing you with comprehensive, specialist protection.

We are proud to be part of the Benefact Group – a charity owned, international family of financial services companies that give all available profits to charity and good causes.”

Lloyd and Whyte Heritage

Website Updates

We are always busy writing articles (for our site and others’ e.g., magazines) and updating our website.  Here’s some of the last 6 months’ worth so you see whats been going on and if you missed anything.

Our March 2023 Newsletter up on the website for those who hadn’t seen it . Thanks for all the great feedback.
 


7 Signs of Pests in Thatched Roofs  (with useful pictures), prompted by plenty of enquiries on pesky pests and vermin, which people are noticing in their roofs.  


 
We loved the Wisteria Hysteria on social media so much that we now have a great gallery for you to enjoy.  Email your pics to be added (you will be credited). 



Article on “Up front Deposits for Thatching Works” was due to the amount of recent enquiries received, and includes a bit of a warning with the advice. 



 
We shared our website post on our recent article in the Sweep Stuff Magazine. 



Our review of the Historic England and Historic Environment Scotland’s Thatching Straw Harvesting Workshop



Our next Picture Competition is launched “Thatch in Progress”  

Our Business Under Thatch Picture Competition

Wow, what a lot of lovely entries to our Picture Competition which we have put on the website gallery.   A big thank you to all the wonderful myriad entries.

Many thanks to Jeremy of Hampshire Property Photography for his expert and impartial judging.

Congratulations to the Winner, The Chequers in Hainford 
Everyone agreed it was a fabulous capture.  Your prize is on its way.

Fires Update

Work progresses (with Historic England’s excellent collating) in looking at actual thatched roof fires.

There have been 38 thatched roof fires so far this year. These numbers include 2 terraced buildings, of 5 and 4 properties, if these are classed as just 2, the total will only be 31 fires. Not all these fires were a total loss which is good news, mainly due to outstanding work by our Fire Services.

These numbers are not great but definitely not the numbers of 80 or so thatch fires which used to be bandied about.

Closer inspection on these statistics is ongoing and will be of great interest to all those with whom we regularly discuss these matters. As ever, we will keep you posted on developments/additional information and any further relevant guidance.

We will continue to educate and inform everyone on thatch fire safety with the aim of further decreasing these numbers. With the Winter fast approaching, please read our Thatch Fire Safety Leaflet, understand and reduce the risks.

Recent Enquiries

Just to show some of the huge variety of questions we assist with – either directly or via our network of friends and Associates.

• Flue liners, flues and chimneys
• Looking for Thatchers
• Rebuild Valuations
• Small straw quantities for our corn dolly / straw makers
• Builders
• Purchasers with queries 
• Problems with Thatchers
• Vendors of Thatch
• Pests including cluster flies, squirrels, rats and mice
• Roof design enquiries e.g. Windows
• Reed dealer’s
• New build projects
• Condition reports
• Architect queries on new projects and extensions
• Listed building advice
• Disposal of old straw
• Changing thatch to tiles!
• Maintenance 
• Apprenticeship
• Loss adjusting for thatch
• Growing Thatching straw
• Thatching supplies
• Working with our associates 
• Assisting others writing articles
• And … lots on ….  insurance!

Huge, thanks to everyone who have given information regarding any fires involving thatched roofs (and not just the listed ones!).  By working together, we hope to get a truer number of what is really going on.  So please continue to keep us posted so we can help keep Historic England’s collated numbers up to date and the most useful moving forward.  It may even help with assessing risks more accurately and therefore insurance premiums?”

We have also been speaking to the Forensic Investigators regarding a recent thatch fire.  Not what we are wanting to be doing but if our knowledge and experience assists in any way we are always happy to help.  Interesting conversations, although we hope we don’t have to have too many of them…

Please be aware that after a dry spell of weather, the thatch is also dry and therefore more susceptible to fire.  Two thatch fires in the week commencing 27^th February were not what we wanted to hear about.

Everyone loves to see a newly thatched roof and we thought the next picture competition could showcase “Thatching in Progress”.  From a new ridge to a complete rethatch, whatever the material, shape or size of roof or stage of thatching – get your pictures (up to 6) into us.  A twisted spar or ladder against a roof? Thatchers can enter pictures of themselves, homeowners can show pictures of their roofs being thatched, visitors and voyeurs with an interest in this wonderful craft.  Close ups of a roof being rethatched or from a distance (showing old and new colour and form).

There is plenty of potential for some fabulous photos or perhaps even a work of art?  The rules won’t dismiss a drawing or painting from a budding artist.  Click here for more details.

Thatch Insurance 

With some insurers dropping out of the thatch market or continually changing cover requirements, we have therefore had loads of enquiries regarding thatched property insurance.

New purchasers of thatch are also looking for the best deals and cover. Northern Ireland is still struggling with insurance but there is some available. Southern Ireland has no insurers covering thatch that we know of. A desperate situation.

Our Associates have been helping property owners meet the insurers’ requirements e.g., roof inspection reports, fire retardant spray application, electrical inspections, chimney sweeping and surveys, woodburner installation certification, bird guards etc.

We appreciate that, along with the cost-of-living crisis, insurance premiums are not cheap and add to the financial burden. However, if you are finding it hard, our advice is to make sure your buildings are insured rather than the contents. Important that your building sum insured is correct too. See more on this below.

Fire Retardant Spray – Update

Magma Firestop, TS Fireshield and Cape Reed Fireshield are trading names of a proven and tested fire-retardant spray formula which has been tested and used worldwide for over 20 years. Indeed, as we have a woodburner, we have had it successfully applied 3 times to our roof at Thatch HQ. It is a way to reduce the risk of sparks and embers from a chimney or external fire source igniting a thatched roof and often helps with insurance cover requirements and premiums.

Sadly, it seems that some people, including thatchers, are out of touch and are making negative and unsubstantiated comments on it.

Probably, out of date information passed down over the years on old fire retardant (FRT80). Then the thatch was dipped and often not dried properly by impatient thatchers before application to the roofs. This may have meant roofs did not last well due to the damp and the retardant was blamed.

Current fire retardant is sprayed to the completed thatched roof surface, dries in a few hours and no issues have been identified in its years of use.

Architectural

We often have questions from architects on design issues such as windows (Velux and Dormers), valleys, hips, angles, rafters, batten spacing, insulation and chimneys.

It is so heartening to see that not only are extensions but also new properties are being built and thatched, often with a more modern / contemporary look.

Rebuild Costs

The cost of living along with the cost of building works, has increased. This, sadly, has had a knock-on effect on the rebuild costs of properties which has, in turn, had an effect on insurance premiums and policies.

Our Thatch Directory includes insurers covering those higher rebuild costs.

Bit of a relief all round, especially as we now have rebuild cost assessors joining our Thatch Directory as Associates. as it is important to have that amount correct.

Apprenticeship Update

Great progress. 
 
“The trailblazer employer group has now completed work on the standard and end-point assessment for the thatcher apprenticeship standard. These will be submitted for approval by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) shortly.”

Working Together

Our mission is working together for the good of thatch.  We do not copy or plagiarise others’ work.   Our aim is to work together with our friends and associates, sharing expertise to help everyone for free.  We plan our articles based on our community’s knowledge, skills, experience and what’s currently happening.  In addition, we have many more things planned to share with you.
 
The thatching world is a comparatively small community so working together makes sense.   We talk to everyone and our door is always open.   Never have we discriminated or excluded.   A huge amount of what we do is time freely given and we enjoy helping promote thatch, thatching and anything associated.   Offers of financial assistance in sending out our Newsletters is hugely welcome, as the high numbers of subscribers was making it costly. 
 
The Thatch Advice Centre strongly believe that working together, being open and transparent is the way forward and we have no plans to change.   
 
We are happy to rattle the cages that need to be rattled, for the good of thatch.  Based on comments received and progress which has been made over the last few years e.g. fire safety, training and qualifications, material supply, insurance etc we feel that we are definitely listened to, recognised and appreciated.  Validation of what we do and everyone’s kind and grateful comments have been most welcome.

New Associates

Keir Hamilton Ltd RICS Surveyors. Bringing a wealth of knowledge and period property expertise. 



Flood Assist Insurance Thatched Property Insurers with Flood Expertise. 



GVK Chimney Sweeps in Suffolk, coming with great credentials and references. 



A.S.Chimneys – Chimney Sweeps and Chimney & Flue Specialists, covering Derbyshire. APICS and HETAS approved. 



Harte Private Clients Limited. Brokers who can quote listed and high value rebuild are most desirable (based on recent enquiries). 



Wiltown Sweeps – Chimney Sweep who covers Somerset and is a member of APICS.

  

rebuildcostassessment.com Experts helping you get the rebuild cost right for your insurance.

Fire Resisting Barriers

Just to let you know we’ll be looking in more detail into this topic soon.
Keep your eye on our website/social media.

Roof Reports for Disputes

Our Associates, who do roof inspection reports for insurance and purchasing requirements, have apparently now moved on to assisting people with disputes over thatched roofs.  Some interesting points have been raised, for example regarding deposits, quality of work, references, memberships etc. 

Please stay sensible in your dealings folks (both thatchers and homeowners).  Having something clearly in writing, understood and agreed by all parties, is a good start. 

Remember, thatching is an unregulated craft.  In times of financial difficulties, care with contracts and payments for works satisfactorily completed make sense.

We are always “happy to help” with organising roof inspection reports for you, from master thatchers who are not looking for work.

Solid Fuel Burning

With the cost of living rising, it seems that we have had a lot more enquiries on solid fuel burning than previously.  It is important that you install woodburners / solid fuel burners etc to meet the building regulations and inform your insurers.

 
Our friends and Associates on our Thatch Directory in categories such as Solid fuel and heating supplies, chimney and flue specialists, chimney sweeps, fire safety products and supplies etc. may well be able to assist if you have works to complete or queries on this topic.
 
Please don’t think that just because you have ticked those two boxes you are done.  What and how you burn and maintaining your solid fuel appliances is important too.  Please read our Thatch Fire Safety Leaflet, understand and reduce the risks whilst keeping warm in your property.

Flashback Fridays

Previous articles have been shared on our Social Media Flashback Fridays.  Still interesting and still relevant information.
 
10 Attributes of a good Roof Thatcher.



Thatch at Christchurch Visitor Centre Christ Church, Oxford. 


 
Top 3 Questions asked by Specialist Thatch Insurers for 2020. Wonder if the questions have changed much? 
 
Scottish Crannog Centre Fire (2021). With a great recent update (and pics) on progress! (Work and Just Giving)

 

“The Dartmoor Trust and Thatch” We love connecting with and helping such charitable organisations. Have a look and see for yourself.

Longstanding Associates

Very happy that our Associates stay with us and renew/update their adverts to benefit our visitors with their specialisms and expertise.  Thank you.  We love our Thatch Community of which our Thatch Directory is an essential and complimentary part.
 
Chimney Sweeping and Services, Insurance, Architects, Thatchers, and more!

A great place to start if you are looking for specialists to help with your thatched property.  We are also always pleased to welcome new Associates to join our growing network.  Get in touch with us if you are interested.  References are required. We often have excellent “inflation busting” offers on too!

Social Media

We regularly post on social media (FB, Instagram and Twitter).  Interesting articles (ours and others) fun pictures and sharing of all sorts of thatch, thatching and thatched information.  Why not join us and like and share what we do.  Or tag us in what you are doing “thatch” related.  Our Test it Tuesdays are always well shared with a great organic reach.  There is potential free promotion if you send us a picture of you checking your Smoke and/or CO alarms.  Let’s keep the social media, social.
 
Here’s a snippet of what we have been posting.

Interesting article from the Dailymail on the lack of thatch cottages to rent,

Dry wood is safer and creates more heat – win win!  Share from Association of Professional Independent Chimney Sweeps  

First Good Friday Finial Fun.  Lovely duck & duckling from Master Thatcher R Moore.

 
Thanks to P Farmer for this great picture for our Wednesday Windows, the chimneys are pretty smart too!

 
Business Under Thatch Competition – the lovely May Cottage Tea Rooms in Croyde 


 
How many people are waiting for a Thatcher with sheets/ tarpaulins on their roof? (and chimney!)


 
Shakespeare Day – The Globe Theatre

 
Shared – Brough Fire Station
Complaints of poor parking around the village, just take a minute to think…. would an emergency vehicle get through? Please be considerate and thoughtful as to where you park, one day it might be you or a loved one who needs us or our partner agencies.



 
Letter in the The Irish Times Re: Disappearing Thatched Cottages in Ireland. 
 
Thatch Fire…… Somerset…. Not good news….


 
Thanks to Mary Wood. Do you think this thatched cottage looks like it has a face?

 
Thanks to G Griffiths entry Bird In Hand to our Business Under Thatch picture Competition.


 
World Environment Day. Thatch is a sustainable building product, both reed and straw, just reminding everyone!
 
Built Heritage Investment Scheme Funding for Tipperary in Ireland includes allocation for historic thatched structures.  Thanks to Tipp FM news for the info. 
 
Northern Ireland Historical Photographical Society.  Check them out:


 
We were pleased to attend Historic England and Historic Environment Scotland workshop on Thatching Straw Harvest.
 
The Summer Solstice!  Picture from DG Shelley Master Thatcher
 
 

Good news a listed thatched cottage in Braintree is to be restored after the devastating fire in 2022. 

 
There is wilful destruction of property and wilful destruction of a thatched property! at Avoncroft Museum. Disgusted as it was arson and hope they find the perpetrator’s.

Wednesday Wondering? How long the thatching spar has been used in the thatching of houses in England?
 
Cat finial on the roof from Captures by Charlotte UK and another favourite Kat on World Chocolate Day which was acknowledged by Kit Kat.

 
Crediton Courier Newspaper – council concerns over an abandoned listed thatched cottage. 

Butser Ancient Farm’s question – How long do roundhouses last?



Article from the Independent.ie  Local councillor is seeking grants to protect the thatched cottages “unique icons or Irish history.” 
 
Our Thatch Directory of Specialists had some great stats recently. Wonderful to see so many people are using it every month,  Excellent feedback too!! 

We heard of an estate agent asking a painter & decorator to “sweep the chimney while he’s there!!! Luckily, he declined, Crickey!! What were they thinking??
 
Friday Feeling Concerned at article in Suffolk News on rebuild costs  


 Spreading the word on New Sustainability Award (QEST and Heritage Crafts). £2,000 cash prize – closes Friday 1st September 2023 at 5 pm. “Open to any craftsperson working with traditional craft skills or materials, who has improved their environmental sustainability within the last 12 months”
 
Shared a post as some of our thatcher followers might want some Square Heads Master Straw.
 
Friday feeling International. Tiles are used with thatch a lot in Europe too.

We listed some Great places to visit with Thatch! Furzey Gardens, Weald & Downland Living Museum,Thomas Hardy’s Cottage, Butser Ancient Farm, Ranworth Broad, Christchurch Visitor Centre, Glencoe Folk Museum, Little Woodham, Highland Folk Museum, Robbie Burns Cottage, Ann Hathaway’s Cottage and Old Thatch Teashop.



Mushroom house!

 What about a 652 year old thatched Welsh pub with its own brewery & rum distillery for a Bank Holiday Monday!  

 Article from BBC Travel on a cluster of villages near Kyoto, in Japan which are keeping the ancient thatching tradition alive.


Supporting Chimney Fire Safety Week.


 
Praise to Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service on their excellent response to a thatch fire.  They made breaks and stopped the spread of fire.

Mindful Monday and a bit of cognitive fun!
How many 3,4,5… words can you make from the word Thatched?
 
An abundance of enquiries on windows in the last few weeks. From design, installing, roof lifespan. Some very interesting conversations!

Wondering Why?

Following on from our “Working Together”, it is sad to hear that one of our associates long standing, unchanged, paid for, advert, has been suddenly and with no warning, declined. A comment was made that it was due to inclusion of reference to ourselves. That is then of interest to us, particularly as no option to remove that reference was given as a first logical step to our associate. We are both now wondering why things have changed after all this time? Why the discrimination?

Several requests for a fair response and valid explanation from the NSMT Ltd, have not even had the courtesy of an reply. This may be due to a lack of coherent reasoning in the initial exclusion, that they have something to hide or something else?

Our Associate says the exclusion of their advert will have no impact on their business. They always felt that advertising over the years was more supporting the society.

For those who may be interested in this nonsense, we will keep you posted on the outcome of their request for an answer.

Who likes Cake?

Had to share this fabulous birthday cake, not our founders! but sent to us by a friend who had their cake designed to match their cottage.

Outstanding – Shame to cut it but it tasted delicious.

Did you Notice?

Sometimes we have so much we want to tell you that we do two social media posts a day. Most of our posts are early in the morning but occasionally we add an extra one in later in the day eg. Coronation day

If you have anything you want us to mention, an event or interesting thatch related topic always happy to receive them or be tagged. Get in touch.

Next Time

Exciting and useful plans for our next Newsletter, but will let you wait and see…..

And Finally

Looking back, from when we started the Thatch Advice Centre to now, and how we have developed, we are not only proud but also humbled by all your thanks and appreciation.  Remaining impartial, fair and truthful so we can continue to sleep well, knowing we have done our best “for the good of thatch” is imperative.  We endeavour to keep it free, however, annual reviews are a must.
 
Let us be the first perhaps, to wish you all, our lovely subscribers..

A Very Happy and Healthy Christmas 

Copyright

The content of the Thatch Advice Centre email is circulated to its subscribers and is copyright.  These contents may only be reproduced with the permission of the Thatch Advice Centre.

Thatch Directory Categories – Phase I

Our site has one clear list of categories so it is easy to find help.  We are always looking for proven services to join us.  References are required.

·  Architects
·  Builders
·  Building Surveyors
·  Chimney & Flue Specialists
·  Chimney Sweeps
·  Electrical Engineers
·  Fire Safety Products & Supplies
·  Garden Buildings
·  Health and Safety
·  Insurance
·  Leadworkers
·  Master Thatchers
·  Organisations/Publications
·  Preservation & Pest Control

·  Quantity Surveyors
·  Reed & Straw Dealers
·  Scaffolding
·  Security
·  Solicitors
·  Solid Fuel & Heating Supplies
·  Specialist Builders
·  Specialist Building Materials
·  Structural Surveyors
·  Thatched Hospitality
·  Thatching Supplies
·  Timber Framed Builders
·  Tools & Equipment Hire
·  Tree Surgeons

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